The Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore: here's what to see

While visiting Lake Maggiore, it is impossible not to stop and visit the characteristic Borromean Islands. Small pieces of land are supported at a distance, creating an all-Italian archipelago to be discovered.

The Gulf of Borromeo is home to five different islands, each of them remarkable. The three largest and most easily visited are Isola Madre, Isola Bella, and Isola dei Pescatori, in addition to the island of San Giovanni and the Scoglio della Malghera.

The Borromean Islands can be reached by ferry from the ports of Locarno, Arona, Laveno, Stresa, and Pallanza. Alternatively, you can use private speedboats that organize small tours around the islands.

Pay attention to the period in which you decide to go because Isola Bella and Isola Madre can only be visited in summer. In winter they are closed to the public, while Isola Dei Pescatori is open all year round.

Isola Madre

The largest island in the archipelago, Isola Madre is home to many exotic plant and animal species.

A beautiful 18-hectare garden covers a large part of the island, allowing visitors to explore the area and have fun looking for the most unusual species of all.

Palazzo Borromeo is the most important work of architecture on Isola Madre, with an adjacent botanical park that can be visited in its entirety.

The Borromeo family used the palace as a summer residence for several years, preserving its furnishings, portraits and a unique collection of puppet theaters. The Venetian Hall is considered the most beautiful of the entire structure, characterized by the presence of various types of decorations and frescoes.

In the botanical park, there are about 2000 different species of flowers that come from all over the world and embellish the surrounding space. Delicate white peacocks move silently among the plants, creating an even more magical atmosphere.

Fishermen's Island

Isola dei Pescatori is the only inhabited island of the Borromean archipelago. Its name is closely linked to the history of the central village, which was once inhabited only by fishermen's families.

The old houses and the original buildings have remained almost identical and are now inhabited by a small number of people. The island's community is very united and prides itself on being friendly and courteous to visitors.

Every year, on the 15th of August, the village celebrates a big festival that involves the whole island. The same happens during Carnival, an equally special moment.

Beautiful island

Finally, we come to Isola Bella, the last of the three largest islands in the Gulf of Borromeo. Like the Isola Madre, the Isola Bella also testifies to the presence of a Borromeo palace.

The villa is incredibly large, with more than 20 different rooms richly decorated with paintings, frescoes, and tapestries. At the base of the building are the characteristic caves, perfect places to take a break from the sun and swim in the lake.

It is impossible not to take a few minutes to visit the garden, which, like the botanical park of Isola Madre, is home to many different species of animals and plants.

At the end of the garden, it is possible to identify an imposing amphitheater, built a few steps from the lake.

The name of the island comes from Isabella Borromeo, the wife of Charles III, who was responsible for the construction of the palace. Thanks to her commitment, Isabella managed to transform a wild and little-known island into a magnificent, delicate, and "beautiful" place.